History of Mangalica pig is dated back to the first half of 19th century, however some former information is available of Mangalica ancestors in the 18th century. This fatty pig breed attained its’ typical characteristics till the last quarter of 19th century and these features are still existing. Since Mangalica pigs were nearly extinguished after 1950’s the relevant scientific and practical knowledge also stepwise reduced. In the present overview we compare in detail the ancient and modern information on Mangalica reproduction. First estrous of Mangalica gilts was described at around age of 10 to 11 month. Actually, Mangalica gilts can come in heat as early as 7 to 8 months of age and, therefore can have their first farrowing at 11 to 12 months of age. It was reported that several dam lines had quite high litter-size (8-9 piglets) at the beginning of 20th century, however due to different selection scheme these lines disappeared. Fortunately, nowadays we can identify again such more prolific sows. Throughout comparison of old and modern knowledge of Mangalica reproductive biology we should conclude that respectful incorporation of valuable ancient knowledge has same importance as the newest data collected by the most sophisticated instrumentation and methods. Synthesis of them is necessary for the preservation of original genetic value and the market oriented production.

Based on the supposition that lamprey GnRH-III (lGnRH-III) elicits FSH releasing activity in swine, synthetic lGnRH-III (peforelin, Maprelin® XP10) was used in puberal estrus synchronized gilts. The secretion of reproductive hormones FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone was analyzed, and follicle growth and ovulation recorded. Altogether, 24 German Landrace gilts were treated after an 18-day long synchronization of the estrus cycle with Regumate® as follows: 48 h after the last Regumate® feeding they received im either 150 μg Maprelin® XP10 (lGnRH-III, group Maprelin, n = 6), 50 μg Gonavet Veyx® (GnRH-I agonist, group GnRH, n = 6), 850 IE Pregmagon® (eCG, group eCG, n = 6) or saline (group Control, n = 6). Additionally, in eight gilts the concentrations of FSH and LH were analyzed after treatment with 150 μg Maprelin® XP10 (n = 3), 50 μg Gonavet Veyx® (n = 3) or saline (n = 2) at mid-cycle (day 10 of the estrus cycle). Blood samples were collected via implanted jugular vein catheters. Ovarian features were judged endoscopically at the end of the Regumate® feeding and on days 5 and 6 after treatment. Maprelin® XP10 had no effect on FSH release in gilts; neither at the pre-ovulatory period or at mid-cycle. Furthermore, LH levels were unaffected. In contrast, GnRH-I agonist stimulates FSH release, however less compared to LH secretion. LH secretion was induced by GnRH-I both during the follicular phase and at mid-cycle. Equine CG did not stimulate the release of pituitary hormones FSH and LH due to its direct action on the ovary. Increased estradiol concentrations during days 2 to 5 after Regumate® in all treatment groups indicated pre-ovulatory follicle growth in gilts. Equine CG stimulated a higher (P < 0.01) number of ovulatory follicles compared to the other treatment groups. All together, 83 to 100 % of gilts ovulated by day 6 post treatment. In summary, results of our study on reproductive hormone secretion do not provide evidence that synthetic lGnRH-III (Maprelin® XP10) selectively releases FSH in estrus synchronized gilts.

The oviduct and uterus provide the environment for the establishment of pregnancy. Among others, growth factor systems are involved in functional signaling interactions at the pre- and peri-implantation maternal-conceptus interface in pigs. Distinct regulation of epidermal growth factor Receptor (EGF-R), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) systems and of bioactivation of EGF-R in porcine oviduct and endometrium during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and during steroid replacement in ovariectomized gilts is summarized. Remarkable influences of ovarian steroids and EGF on the expression of specific markers of transcription and translation in these tissues are discussed. Known biological effects of the EGF, VEGF and FGF are related to cellular differentiation and angiogenesis. This suggests their involvement in the transformation of the endometrium into a decidua subsequently leading towards successful establishment of pregnancy. Peripheral steroids may exert their effects on epithelial cells both in a direct genomic manner or through mediators such as growth factors. The aim of our study was to draw specific attention to the paracrine regulation in the porcine endometrium especially during the implantation window.